A COMPANY that makes filter systems for cars at its factory between Salisbury and Amesbury is planning a major expansion that will lead to 50 new jobs.
Mahle Filter Systems UK Ltd, of High Post, which specialises in air, oil and fuel filter systems for the world's biggest car manufacturers - including Ford, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Rover - is applying for planning permission to extend its premises by 4,500sqm.
The extra floor space will provide essential warehousing at the 17,000sqm site, which currently employs 350 people.
Managing director Rod Small said that, in the past four years, the High Post business had gone "from a position of vulnerability to one of the Mahle Group's most cost-effective sales, design and manufacturing centres in Europe".
He said: "Recent contract wins and our record turnover figures of £33m have demonstrated the plant can now compete at a global level in one of the toughest industries in the world.
"Mahle is a business focused on long-term goals, rather than short-term profits, and is committed to maintaining its presence in Salisbury.
"However, the market in which we operate is not one we can stand still in.
"We have to be at the forefront of innovation, improvement and skills development.
"The proposed warehouse extension will facilitate all of those and help secure the long-term future of the business."
Mr Small said such had been the success of Mahle since it bought the business of Tennex Europe in 2001 that the company was now on track to double its turnover by next year.
And, while manufacturing in the UK was continuing to suffer a downturn, Mahle had expanded its workforce at High Post by 30 per cent, to 350, since 2001.
"The new contracts are for the production of filters for Audi, BMW and Daimler Chrysler," said Mr Small
He added that the extension had been designed to ensure it was unobtrusive on the skyline, using muted colours and including landscaping.
A Salisbury district council spokeswoman confirmed the planning application had just been received and had not yet been dealt with.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article